IT’S been a journey from funk to fashion for Warrington’s own globe-trotting stars The Winachi Tribe.

The band have collaborated with historic Italian brand Pantofola d’Oro on a pair of luxury trainers which are set for release in April. Winachi Tribe are also releasing their new single – the aptly named Funky But Chic – tomorrow, Friday, to promote the launch.

The opportunity came about after the six-piece were invited to perform at the launch party of Pantofola’s ‘1990 Collection’ in Carnaby Street, London, in 2018 where company owner Kim Williams instantly became a fan.

Frontman Liam Croker, a former Bridgewater High student, said: “Since then the relationship between Winachi and Pantofola has gone from strength to strength.

“We’ve been over to Italy to perform a number of shows and it’s a huge honour for us to be working with such an iconic fashion brand.”

The band – formerly China White – have come a long way since their Latchford roots as they have done two tours of California in as many years.

Warrington Guardian:

Highlights have included working with renowned producer John X on their album which is due out in the spring and performing two sessions for audio equipment company Behringer at its ‘Music Tribe Studios in LA.

Along the way they have made some high profile fans such as Emmy award-winning journalist Heidi Cuda.

Winachi Tribe also brought a bit of the north west to the West Coast when they supported The Charlatans at a sold out show at LA’s Teragram Ballroom.

Liam added: “The Charlatans were ace – lovely people, especially Mark Collins and his partner Bethan. It was the end of an insane two weeks on the road in Cali so it was an awesome way to end the tour, plus it was my birthday that night too. I’ve had worse birthdays.

"We’ve made some really good friends in LA, it’s a mad place but it’s somewhere we love. We’ve had some of the best experiences of our lives in that city. Everything we’ve done or achieved we’ve always set out to do – we don’t it take any of it for granted but it’s all come from years of relentless hard work and commitment.”

Next on the horizon for Winachi Tribe is a joint tour with French electronica band DeStijl in May, performing for ‘Keith Allen Presents’ at Latitude Festival in July and playing at the ISSA (International Singer Songwriter Association) Awards, a red carpet event in Atlanta, Georgia, in August.